Oceania Insignia Cruise Ship Review
We’ve just taken a cruise that we weren’t sure if we’d enjoy – and at our advanced ages it was for an unusual reason. For years we’ve wanted to incorporate a cruise into our regular visits to New York, and this cruise, combined with Michael’s love of photography during the autumn foliage seasons, seemed to fit the bill.
We loved the look of the port heavy itinerary, with six ports in Canada and four in the USA, ending in New York. And the time of year was perfect for us.
But we also knew that Oceania tends to have an older set of passengers, and while we aren’t spring chickens ourselves, we wondered if we would feel too young.
LEVEL UP Your Cruise – Things To Do FIRST
You just want to relax and enjoy your cruise, right? I’m going help you by giving you nine things to do first when you get to your cruise cabin, to make it your home from home while you’re cruising. I have cruise cabin hacks and organisation tips, so you can have your best cruise ever! I have plenty of cruise advice for first timers here, so you can have your best cruise right from the start.
Which Cruise Line is the Best?
Are you wondering which cruise line is the best for you? I’m going to tell you all about the different types of cruise line and compare them so you can decide which cruise line you should choose.
What’s In My Bag – MINIMALIST EDC Essentials
Do you want to know what’s in my handbag? I try to have a minimalist approach to my everyday carry essentials so for anyone who loves EDC, minimalism and handbags – or purses – keep reading! I’ve identified 41 items that I carry in my handbag in different scenarios. I try to keep the items I carry to a minimum and select small, lightweight versions of everything. I’m not claiming to be a minimalist, but I suffer from shoulder and neck pain so the lighter my bag the better. And to help those outside Australia, here we tend to call all women’s fashion type bags “handbags”, rather than shoulder bags, clutches, etc. And they are never called “purses”. A purse is something you keep your coins in! The items I carry My car key Like most car keys these days it’s big and chunky. I know that some car keys can be programmed onto a smart phone so the sooner Audi do that in Australia the better, then I can leave this at home! Driver licence Whether I’m driving or not this is my primary form of identification, so I always have this on me. Trolley key I use this to unlock supermarket trolleys, so I don’t have to carry a coin. I never carry cash, and I got caught so many times before I got this. Breath mints This one is up for review. I really don’t need them very often, but this is a tiny, slim holder – I think Michael got it from an animal welfare conference in New Zealand about 15 years ago! Canadian travel charm Maybe I’m superstitious but a friend gave me this good luck charm for travellers many years ago and I’ve carried it ever since. Costco card Costco cards can’t go in my iPhone wallet, so I’m stuck with this one. I could keep it in the glovebox of the car since I only ever go there in the car so this might get eliminated! Emergency $20 note I don’t use cash in Australia at all. This became part of my carry about 10 years ago when I let my car run out of petrol. NRMA – roadside assistance – brought me a can of petrol but I needed $20 cash to pay for it! I had to borrow from the business I’d stopped outside of, luckily, they were nice enough to lend it, even though they didn’t know me. It was a plumbing business, and we’ve used them for our plumbing issues ever since. And yes, I did repay them! Fold up shopping bag To avoid excessive consumption of disposable bags. Glasses screwdriver To tighten those tiny little screws when the arms of my glasses start flapping around. House key Just the one. I don’t feel the need to carry every key I possess. I always wonder why people have to carry big bunches of keys, like an olden day’s prison warden. Safe key More of a money tin really – we just keep left over international currency in there between trips. Nothing major, it’s more so we know where it is than for security! I keep the key with me for security though, rather than need. Hand cream This tiny container is perfect – I like things as flat as possible. I refill it with a fairly thick cream – a runny one might leak. Lip balm No explanation necessary! Anker magsafe power bank For phone low power emergencies – that time I ran out of petrol I’d also forgotten to charge my phone, and I didn’t have a charger in the car. Another thing the nice plumbing business lent me was a charger! Rolling Square InCharge X xmall charging cable I can use it to charge anything USB C, Micro USB or lightning if there is a USB A or C outlet to plug into. The MagSafe power bank can give my iPad a tiny charge using this cable, if I’m really desperate! Nasal decongestant I tend to get a stuffy nose quite a lot. Pen Always good to have. I have a LAMY Safari pen I bought in Japan, but it’s a bit big and chunky. I love it but I’m thinking of getting a small pen like a Fisher Space Pen or something made for EDC. The pens above are NOT to scale! Hand sanitiser Even before Covid I usually had it but now it’s more important than ever. Shout wipe If you’ve seen my video on packing for a six-week trip you’ll know I tend to be a bit of a messy eater. Small mirror This is the tiniest mirror I’ve ever found. I got it, well we got two of them, at an animal welfare conference in Washington DC in 2011. It was a gimmick – “looking into this will show you who can save these animals” kind of thing. But I’ve carried one ever since for makeup touch ups – it’s all I need and so tiny! Small scrunchie When it’s hot and sticky and I’m out and about my hair annoys me so when I’m about to go completely mad I get this out and pull my hair back. It looks awful but sometimes that just doesn’t matter! Small tin of medications Just a few painkillers, antihistamines and antacid tablets. I wrap the scrunchie around this, so they’re always together. The tin is from some souvenir breath mints I bought at George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon. Smart AirCard I bought these from a Kickstarter, they work the same as Air Tags, but they’re flat so easier to carry in small pouches and bags. Sunglasses But not very often since I can’t drive in them or read my phone in them. And only when its sunny of course! I keep them in this soft pouch, which doubles as a lens cloth. SwissCard NailCare From the makers of Swiss Army knives and with similar functions. This one doesn’t have a blade, but it does
2025 long vacation packing list
See my complete packing list and what’s in my bag as I pack for a six-week holiday and hear what I learned and what I should NOT have packed! We are travelling by air from Australia to Canada for two nights in Montreal, then cruising on Oceania Insignia through Canada and New England, arriving in New York. We spend two weeks in New York before hopping on Norwegian Prima for a cruise to Bermuda. We spend two more nights in New York then fly home to Australia. What would you pack? Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalise a purchase. Clothes Handbag and EDC Tech Makeup Toiletries Health and comfort Cruise essentials Miscellaneous
Never do these 20 things in your cruise ship cabin
Like anything in life, cruising has things you shouldn’t do – particularly in your cabin. I have 20 of these and I’ll also include some clever tricks to help you enjoy your cruise.
10 things NOT TO PACK for a cruise – what to bring instead
Did you know that many items are banned on cruise ships? And they might not be what you expected! Did you also know that the cruise ship will have some essentials, so you won’t need to bring them? I’m going to tell you about 10 items you should NOT bring on a cruise, but to make up for it, at the end I’ll give you six items that will become YOUR cruise essentials! Iron or clothes steamer What? I can’t take an iron or steamer onboard? But my clothes are wrinkled! Cruise lines don’t like things that heat up being taken onboard, for fire and safety reasons. So don’t pack that travel iron or steamer. Some ships have a passenger laundry with an iron you can use, some offer ironing services (at a cost!) or you can use a wrinkle release spray – I’ll link one in the description. But I reduce my travel load by not bringing a spray and just hanging clothes in the bathroom while we shower. The steam usually helps all the wrinkles drop out! Coffee maker or kettle I can’t imagine that anyone would do this but according to stories online, people do sometimes stash their Nespresso machine in their luggage! But like the irons and steamers, coffee machines and kettles are also forbidden! I know, I love my tea, so it’s a bit of a bummer but there are options. Sometimes the room steward can provide a kettle although a coffee machine is unlikely to be available. Or you can get tea and coffee from the buffet. And on some ships, you get complimentary breakfast room service so you can order your early morning hot drink, and have it brought to you – I can’t say this is my preferred option because the tea arrives too strong and stewed but I can always send Michael out to the buffet! Beach towels Hang on! What’s wrong with beach towels? Surely they aren’t banned? No, of course not but when it comes to beach towels it’s unnecessary to fill your luggage with them because the ship will provide them! Sometimes you need to check them out with your cruise card and if you don’t return them, you’ll be charged. Or sometimes you can just grab them from a pile for free. In beach ports you’re allowed to take them off the ship too – just make sure you return them! Clothes hangers Clothes hangers aren’t banned either but again you can save your luggage space by requesting them from your room steward. We don’t go overboard on the clothes we bring so I never have to do this, but maybe for a longer cruise you might find it necessary. Of course, you can buy folding travel hangers but why waste the space and lug extra weight? Spirits Most cruise lines permit passengers to bring wine and soft drinks onboard, subject to certain limits. But spirits, such as whiskey, gin, vodka and tequila, are a no no. There’s lots of information online about smuggling them aboard but why risk it? You can be fined, refused embarkation and even banned for life! Toiletries This is a bit of an iffy one. The ship will have toiletries onboard for you to use. However, depending on the cruise line and your cabin type they may not be the best quality. I don’t mind using liquid soap and body lotion from the cruise line, but I’d never use the shampoo! If there’s a separate conditioner, I’d use that but mostly they have a combination shampoo and conditioner that does a really poor job of both tasks! Make sure you read online reviews or even contact the cruise line directly to find out what they provide and only bring what you need. Candles or incense By now you can probably see that the cruise lines don’t like fire or safety risks, so I probably don’t need to tell you that candles and incense are also banned! Remember that your luggage will be scanned before it’s brought onboard, and anything banned will be taken from you. There should be an opportunity to get it back when the cruise ends but don’t bet on it! Snacks Snacks are another one that’s in the “why bother” category. One thing you’ll never be on a cruise ship is hungry! And if you like to have some snacks in your room you can always take a zip lock bag or two to the buffet and save some for later! Expensive jewellery In my video on travel safety for women I said that flashy clothing and expensive jewellery shouldn’t be taken and that applies to cruising too. Not only do you run the risk of having items lost or stolen; by wearing them you can attract unwanted attention. Thieves or pickpockets in port may think you’re likely to be carrying lots of cash and target you. Or they may just go for the jewellery you’re wearing. And putting it in the cruise cabin safe isn’t necessarily going to work – there are heaps of videos online showing how to get into those safes without the passcode – how do you think hotels or cruise lines open them when travellers leave them locked? Too many clothes This isn’t something I’m guilty of – I have a fairly simple wardrobe – just a few dresses and layering pieces and accessories for different climates and situations. But some people think they need a different outfit for dinner every night, something different to wear each day, and a tonne of shoes to go with it all! Just remember, people don’t really notice what other people wear! And unless you’re in a particularly hot and sweaty climate you can re-wear your clothes. I don’t wash clothes (not including underwear of course!) unless they are dirty, or they smell. It’s actually hard on your clothes being washed so by not washing them you give them a longer life! I’ve seen stories of people
Cruise lines – things they don’t want you to know
I don’t know about you, but I love learning hidden secrets about cruise ships, airlines and the like. They’re fascinating! I bet there’ll be at least one thing here that you didn’t know before you read this. Let me know in the comments what you think is the most interesting secret. Get a better price Have you ever bought something only to discover later that it was on sale? Here’s some good news – sometimes, you can get a discounted price on your cruise even after you’ve booked! When you book a cruise, you pay a deposit, with the balance usually due 90 days before it sets sail. If you spot the same cruise at a lower price after paying that deposit, don’t hesitate to reach out to your travel agent or the cruise line. You might just get that discount applied to your booking, saving you a nice bit of cash. Even if you see a price drop after you’ve made your final payment, it’s still worth a shot to ask. Sometimes, you can score onboard credit. In fact, I did both of these for an upcoming trip and saved nearly $6,000 Aussie dollars! Some cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, frequently have sales on drink packages. If you see a price drop after you’ve booked a package, cancel and rebuy it to take advantage of those savings. Have you ever noticed how cruise lines almost always seem to be having a sale? Norwegian Cruise Line cycles between 35% off for two passengers and 70% off the second guest. That’s the same discount expressed in two different ways. So, don’t feel rushed to book your cruise before a sale ends; there’s almost always a comparable one right around the corner. Another way of saving money is to book the same cruise on an older ship. The newer ships typically have higher prices. Older ships might not have all the bells and whistles, but you can score the same itinerary and inclusions whilst paying less. Some cruisers prefer the older girls! Cruise Contract Let’s talk about that cruise contract you get when you book. Who actually reads those things? Let’s be honest; it’s hard to keep your eyes from glazing over. But when you buy a ticket, you’re agreeing to that contract. This contract is essential; but it includes clauses that might raise your eyebrows. For instance, it might allow the cruise line to search you and your cabin. It can state that the cruise line holds no liability for onboard contractors like retail shops and medical services. And their photographers can use your pictures for marketing, but you might find yourself restricted from sharing your own photos online! And don’t forget about the legal jurisdiction designated in the contract—it’s typically the one that benefits the cruise line the most. Maybe it’s time we all start reading those contracts a little more closely! They want your money! Cruise lines expect you to spend about 50% of the amount you paid for your fare while you’re onboard and they include this in their budgeting, so there are incentives for the crew to part you with your hard-earned dollars. Your cruise fare probably wasn’t cheap so how do you avoid breaking the bank while living it up at sea? You can definitely go on a cruise and not spend one cent extra, except for those sneaky cruise lines that hit your onboard account up with daily gratuities. But it’s always nice to have some delicious cocktails or a special dinner. Start by setting a daily budget. Think about how much you can afford to spend each day and stick to it! A beverage package might be a smart investment to help manage costs, too. And don’t forget to bring essentials like medications, which always carry a hefty markup onboard! When visiting private islands, keep in mind that some activities may be included in your packages, but many are priced at a premium. You can often find similar experiences for a lot less if you book with third-party vendors at other ports. And for the gamblers out there, set a budget for the casino! Michael likes to treat his gambling budget as entertainment money rather than a way to get rich quick. Remember, cruise casinos operate in international waters, often without the same regulations as land-based casinos, which can lead to less favourable odds. In port You might think the cruise ship will wait for you if you’re late coming back from an excursion but think again. The ship will not wait for you if you’re late, unless you’re on a ship-sponsored excursion. I’m always amazed by how many stories you hear about passengers getting left behind. And those pier runners? I’d be mortified to be in that situation! Speaking of excursions, remember that you don’t HAVE to take the ones offered by the cruise line. Many ports are fantastic for exploring on your own. Or you could opt for a third-party excursion, which is usually cheaper and often comes with smaller group sizes. Just make sure those third-party excursions offer a refund policy if the port ends up being missed, which can happen more often than you might think due to safety or weather issues. And if you’ve been to a particular port before or simply want to chill, you can always stay on the ship. You’ll likely find smaller crowds, and some activities that normally have a charge may be discounted or even free. Royal Caribbean has exciting options like iFLY and North Star that are sometimes free on port days. Logistics Here’s something I find fascinating—logistics. Maybe it’s because I used to be an accountant. Can you imagine how much food a cruise line has to stock for a single itinerary? It’s mind-blowing! They even use AI to help predict what to order based on the demographics of the passengers on that specific cruise. If a cruise is filled with kids, stock up on chicken nuggets and pizza! For those
Diamond Princess Sydney Harbour Sailaway – is this the world’s best sailaway?
Our YouTube video shows the Diamond Princess sailing away from Sydney Harbour – known as the world’s best sail away. See the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, the Rocks and more. It was a cool drizzly day but the sights were still spectacular. Thursday morning in Sydney welcomed us with weather straight from a drizzly storybook—wet, windy, and cold. We braved the elements, jumping on the light rail headed to Circular Quay, where our next adventure awaited aboard the Diamond Princess. The Diamond Princess is an elegant cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises, renowned for its luxurious design and array of amenities catering to diverse traveller preferences. Launched in 2004 and refurbished in 2019, the ship offers spacious accommodation, including luxurious suites and comfortable staterooms with stunning ocean views. Onboard, guests can indulge in various dining options featuring international cuisine, as well as multiple pools, hot tubs, and engaging entertainment such as Broadway-style shows and live music performances. https://youtu.be/GLYZEtCemI0 We had started planning this trip a few months prior, taking the Diamond Princess from Sydney to Melbourne, a short vacation bracketed by fantastic dinners in both cities. It felt like a long-overdue return to the cruising experience, especially since we have two more cruises planned for later this year. The pandemic had effectively paused our travel adventures for far too long, and we were eager to get our sea legs back. For us, ultra-short cruises like this one—lasting about 40 hours—offer a unique way to “suspend reality.” At one end is the bustling life of Sydney; at the other end is the vibrant atmosphere of Melbourne, which, ironically, was basking in glorious sunshine during our visit. The 40 hours in between felt like a refreshing escape, where time loses its strict hold on us; you can eat when you want, sleep when you like, and simply enjoy the feeling of being at sea. The transition from land to sea was swift and exhilarating as we moved through the passenger terminal, onto the gangplank, and aboard the ship. The boarding experience was flawless, allowing us to quickly familiarise ourselves with the Diamond Princess and settle down for a leisurely lunch. After our meal, we located our stateroom—a beautiful room with a balcony on the Lido deck – deck 14 – and headed to the stern of the ship to witness one of the most captivating moments in travel: the sail away from Sydney Harbour. The sight was nothing short of enchanting: the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge loomed overhead like a giant coathanger, while the sails of the Opera House seemed to wave goodbye to us. As Kirribilli House faded from view, we admired the multi-million-dollar properties lining the harbor, marvelling at the luxurious real estate. As the vessel made its way out through the heads, we observed the tugboats expertly manoeuvring the 290-meter-long ship into a safe passage out to open water. The swell of the ocean increased, causing us to rock gently as the offshore southerly wind whipped rain across our faces; sometimes, it felt like icy razor blades! Yet, we couldn’t bear to take our eyes off the glorious sight of Sydney Harbour as it transitioned into the open ocean. Once we were out at sea, we retreated to our stateroom, watching the coastline slip away. Practicing what Michael likes to call “Mardi Magic,” within a few minutes, our room was perfectly organised, and everything had a designated place for easy access. As we continued our exploration of the ship, the weather began to clear, and we enjoyed visiting the various decks. Click here for a brief overview of the amenities we discovered. After exploring, we made a stop at the Explorer’s Lounge for drinks and participated in a Beatles trivia contest. The ship had a distinctly Beatles theme, and judging by the attire of many passengers, the AFL Grand Final wasn’t just a game; it felt like a festival, with many sporting the red and white of the Sydney Swans. We didn’t realise until later, but Princess Cruises is a sponsor of the Sydney Swans, who were playing in the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne the day we arrived. After a rest, we opted for a casual dinner at the Trident Grill. Being just down the hallway from our room made it a convenient choice, and we relished a selection of pizza, hot dogs, and burgers washed down with a couple of drinks. Later, we attended a performance by an Australian Beatles cover band, who truly brought the excitement with their renditions of classic hits. Following the show, Michael decided to try his luck at the casino. While he’s not a regular gambler, he enjoys the social aspect of shooting craps. Unfortunately, he found himself alone at the craps table on the Diamond Princess (apart from me but I don’t play), which took some of the fun out of it. With no fellow players to share in the excitement and banter, he quickly grew bored and decided to switch gears and try his hand at roulette instead. At the roulette table, we encountered a livelier atmosphere. Bets were low—only a dollar each—so it felt fun and casual as we watched the wheel spin and the white ball dance between the numbers. It was a quintessential cruise experience, firmly rooted in the thrill of chance. Eventually, we ended our night and returned to our stateroom, where the ocean had calmed a bit. We opened the door to the gentle sound of waves lapping against the ship, which quickly lulled us to sleep. Friday morning greeted us with bright sunshine and smooth sailing; a stark contrast to the tumultuous weather we had experienced just a day earlier. We decided to take it easy, finally coaxing ourselves out of our stateroom for breakfast in the buffet then a stroll around the promenade deck. We observed a couple of cargo ships pass in the nearby channel and spent some time admiring the ocean views. In the afternoon, we joined a
LIGHTEN your travel toiletries kit
Are you attempting one bag travel or just wish you could reduce the size of your travel toiletries kit? My travel hacks will help you travel light and minimize your travel size toiletries. No more worrying about the 3-1-1 rule! Now, let me be honest—I’m not someone who travels with just a carry-on bag. I usually check a suitcase. However, over the last couple of years, I’ve been working hard to lighten our luggage, particularly when it comes to toiletries. You might be wondering why I’m so focused on packing light today. Well, we’re gearing up for a six-week adventure in North America and Bermuda! We’re incredibly excited—we’ll be cruising from Montreal to New York, spending two fantastic weeks in New York City, and then enjoying a seven-day round trip cruise to Bermuda before heading back home to Australia. But there’s been a little twist that has influenced our packing strategy—Michael recently had a fall at home! He tripped over a step (nothing spectacular) and ended up dislocating his shoulder and fracturing the humerus in two places. Ouch! He’s recovering after surgery, but since he’ll be in a sling until we depart, we need to keep our luggage light to make things easier for both of us. The bulk of our packing reduction starts with liquids. Most liquids pack a heavy punch due to their high water content. So, I want to pass on the benefits of my research to you! We’ll cover the rules for taking liquids onboard the plane, explore alternatives to liquids, discuss what to leave behind, and finally, how to pack everything effectively. Onboard liquids I’m Australian, but the TSA rules in the USA often come to mind when I think about onboard liquid regulations. Most countries have similar restrictions but remember to check the specific regulations for the country you’re visiting. For instance, the UK has different requirements for the size of clear bags! Leaving Australia on an international flight, the rules relate to powders, liquids, aerosols and gels. I won’t go into details but certain powders, such as washing powder and salt need to be under 350g but don’t have to be packed in a special bag. Liquids, aerosols and gels must be under 100ml and packed in a zip lock bag that measures 80cm or less around the perimeter. All powder, liquid, aerosol and gel products must be taken out at security. You can have one liquids bag per person. Personally, I’ve had good luck getting through without having to pull them out, but it’s always best to follow the packing guidelines just in case. Flying in the USA you have the 3 1 1 rule – each product must be under 3.4 ounces, which is 100ml, be put in a bag that is 1 quart or less (just under a litre) and one bag is allowed per person. I’ve included links in the text above, but I found this information quite easily by searching “flying liquids Australia” and “flying liquids USA” so do the same for the country you’re visiting to ensure that you know what to do. Now, we get to the tricky part—what actually counts as a liquid? Items like mascara and lipstick often cause confusion. A handy tip is to think about whether the product can hold its shape without a container at room temperature. Mascara would definitely be considered a liquid, whereas a lipstick would not—although lip gloss? Yep, that’s a liquid! Don’t forget, there are exemptions for things like medications and baby food, but it’s wise to check the regulations specific to the country you’re visiting. Of course, none of this applies to liquids in checked in bags, but if you are going to travel carry on only you will need to have a really good understanding of the rules! Replacements Why bother with liquids when you can replace them with solid alternatives? Liquid products tend to be heavier, simply because they usually have a higher water content. For example, when I weighed a litre of milk, it clocked in at about one kilo (35.27oz). Meanwhile, the milk powder to make one litre weighed only 130 grams (4.59oz). You can see it by looking at the ingredients list on any product – the ingredients are listed from highest to lowest percentage and the first one is nearly always aqua – that’s water! Take shampoo, for instance. I carry a mini shampoo bar instead of liquid shampoo when I travel. I’ve been using a sample sized bar for six weeks of travel all up, and it’s barely any smaller. I can still see the embossed pattern on it, which tells you just how little has been worn away. If I’d taken liquid shampoo I would have used a fairly large bottle over the same period, and the whole bar must be worth at least ten bottles! There are two more reasons I prefer non-liquid alternatives, and they don’t relate to travel – one is environmental – producing and transporting a shampoo bar instead of ten bottles has a much lower impact on the environment. The second is frugality – it costs a whole lot less for that one bar instead of ten bottles of shampoo! So, at home I use a shampoo bar and toothpaste tablets and plan to replace other items as I run out of the liquid versions. Now, you might have stumbled upon YouTube videos where some travellers have gone completely non-liquid with their toiletries. While I admire that approach, I’ve learned that there are some items I prefer in liquid form—like body lotion, for example. However, even if you switch out just half or a quarter of your products, you’re already making a substantial difference! For my hair care, I use a full-sized Ethique shampoo bar at home. For travel, I have a travel-sized Superzero shampoo bar—thank you, Sephora, for that gift with purchase! I’ve been using the Ethique bar for about 18 months, and I’d estimate it’s just over half used. I
